science experiments with chalk

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Crazy Chalk Chemical Reaction Science Experiment

In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate endothermic chemical reactions by mixing chalk and vinegar.

• Colored chalk
• Zip close baggie
• Clear plastic cup

Instructions:

• Put at least two different colors of chalk in the zip close baggie.
• Use the hammer to carefully smash the chalk into dust.
• Fill the clear plastic cup about ¾ of the way full with vinegar.
• Put about a tablespoon of the colored chalk dust into the vinegar and observe what happens.

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How it Works:

You may not have realized that regular old chalk fizzes and bubbles when mixed with vinegar. Chalk is made of calcium carbonate and when mixed with vinegar an endothermic chemical reaction occurs that releases carbon dioxide gas. This gas is what causes the fizzing and bubbles. 

Make This A Science Project:

Find a location that can get messy. Put the chalk dust in a new baggie. Add vinegar, seal the baggie securely, and observe what happens. Test different types and brands of chalk to see if there are any observable differences. 

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Chalk and Vinegar Science Projects

Penny Cleaning Experiments for a Fifth-Grade Science Fair

The main purpose of performing science experiments with chalk and vinegar is to explore the effects of acid rain on rock. Chalk is made from limestone, which is made mostly of calcium carbonate. Vinegar is an acid that simulates the effects of acidic rain more quickly than naturally occurs in nature, allowing you to observe the process in a shorter period of time.

Observation

To simply observe the acidic vinegar eroding the chalk, place a piece of white chalk in a small cup of vinegar. The chalk doesn't need to be entirely submerged for the experiment to work. Over the next few days, check on your experiment every few hours, taking photos or notes of your observations. Notice how quickly the vinegar dissolves the calcium carbonate and how much sediment is building up in the bottom of the glass. The chalk may completely dissolve within a few days.

Acidity Comparison

Compare acidity levels of different liquids by performing the same experiment with several samples. Use vinegar in one glass and water in another, and prepare other glasses containing lemon juice, vegetable oil, soda and other liquids to test. Put a piece of chalk in each glass, and observe the glasses every few hours to see which liquid is dissolving the chalk the fastest and which is dissolving the chalk the slowest. The more acidic the liquid, the faster the chalk with dissolve.

Mineral Comparison

Acid rain has a different effect on different types of rock, depending on its chemical composition and hardness. Gather samples of several kinds of rock and minerals, including limestone (your chalk). Place each sample in its own glass of vinegar. Check back occasionally over the next few days to observe what is happening to each sample. Record which rocks and minerals are breaking down more quickly or slowly due to the vinegar, and compare the results to the chalk.

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Exploding Chalk Recipe: A Chalk and Vinegar Experiment

By: Author Hess UnAcademy Team

Posted on Last updated: August 31, 2023

Whether you’re looking for some exploding STEM experiments , this exploding chalk experiment is going to be an activity your kids will not soon forget.

Follow this tutorial for a super fun science activity that is appropriate for all ages.

This chalk and vinegar experiment is easy to put together and only requires a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand.

For this exploding sidewalk chalk experiment, we will be learning about and observing the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda, in a non-traditional and super fun way.

Be sure to add this experiment to your list of top STEAM activities for kids ! You can refer to it again and again.

This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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What Are Exploding Chalk Bombs?

Exploding chalk bombs, AKA exploding sidewalk chalk, are a mixture of cornstarch, food coloring, and vinegar. The mixture is combined in a Ziploc bag in a specific way so that they explode only when we want them to – outside on the driveway or sidewalk!

Exploding chalk, or exploding chalk bombs, are a fun way to teach kids about science and chemistry. In fact, for many kids, this science experiment serves as a first introduction to chemistry and the elements around us.

Take your kids on a learning adventure with exploding sidewalk chalk!

Scientific Method Worksheets – Free Download

Before you move on, we’ve got some free scientific method worksheets for you to download and enjoy. These printable worksheets are useful for any science experiment, science project, STEM challenge, or STEM projects your students might be engaging in.

Turn every science project and STEAM activity into a thought-provoking STEM challenge. Plus give left brain and right brain kiddos alike a chance to utilize their strengths and improve their weaknesses. Get yours now!

More Summertime Learning Opportunities

Do you want to enjoy even more summertime learning adventures with your kids? Check out these ideas!

• Summer STEM Activities
• Garden STEM Projects
• Fun Summer Worksheets For Kids
• Summer Mad Libs Printables

How To Make Exploding Sidewalk Chalk (Recipe Below)

Before you begin, take the learning on this activity up a notch by exploring the scientific method. Have your kiddos make hypotheses or educated guesses as to what will happen when they mix ingredients together. Then perform the experiment again, only with a slight change, and see what changes.

Then you can move on with the exploding sidewalk chalk tutorial below.

Conducting Your Exploding Chalk Experiment

For this exploding sidewalk chalk experiment, students will have fun learning about chemical reactions using baking soda and vinegar. Adding in cornstarch and food coloring gives a colorful and fun element when the Ziploc bag explodes.

This activity can be used when learning about chemical reactions and gases.

• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Food Coloring
• Tissue Paper (toilet paper, kleenex, etc)
• Measuring Cup
• Quart Ziploc bags

Instructions

• Fill each Ziploc bag with 1 cup cornstarch and 1 cup vinegar. (We chose to fill all the bags with cornstarch first. And then added vinegar to all the bags)
• Add a few drops of any color food coloring to each bag.
• Seal the bags and mix with your hands until cornstarch is dissolved.
• Set bags aside.
• Begin making baking soda bombs by placing 1 Tbsp. baking soda onto a square of toilet paper and folding it so the baking soda won’t spill out. Make one bomb for each Ziploc bag.
• Outside, on a flat paved surface, open one corner of the Ziploc bag and drop in the baking soda bomb. 
• Quickly seal the bag back up.
• Shake the bag gently to release the baking soda and place it on the ground.
• Watch as the bag fills with gas and then explodes.
• Make sure kids stay a safe distance away so the mixture does not get in eyes upon explosion
• For younger students, it is helpful to have someone hold the bag open while they pour ingredients in
• We found it easier to pour the cornstarch into a mixing bowl to measure out.
• 1 lb of cornstarch will make approximately 3 ½ bags.

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The Science Behind the Chalk and Vinegar Experiment

When you combine the baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, with vinegar, which is a mild acid, the two form a chemical reaction. This chemical reaction creates a new chemical called carbonic acid.

As the carbonic acid begins to decompose, it creates carbon dioxide gas. This gas expands and fills the Ziploc bag which then causes the bag to explode in order for the building pressure to be released. Kids of all ages are able to see all of these reactions with this fun science activity.

Take the learning even further by discussing Non-Newtonian fluids. Preschoolers and little ones can enjoy some sensory play after the reaction is completed by playing in the goop!

Ideas for Taking the Learning Further

Want to take the learning even further? Use these ideas with your older students. There is more to this experiment than meets the eye.

• Try using water instead of cornstarch and note the differences.
• The mixture in the bags is similar to Ooblek (magic mud). You can also talk about liquids and solids while kids play and experiment with the remaining mixture. Use this article about using slime as a science fair project as your guide.
• Can you manipulate the paint bags of erupting sidewalk chalk paint to make some chalk art? What different tie-dye or chalk art designs can you make?
• Can you put your exploding chalk into a water balloon instead of a plastic baggie? Will it still explode? What’s different about water balloon chalk bombs?
• Did you know that baking soda and vinegar is not just fun, it’s also useful? Older students can research different practical uses for baking soda and vinegar, specifically the chemical reaction that these items create. Create a display of some kind (PowerPoint, poster board, shadow box, etc) that compares, contrasts, and explains several practical uses.

Tips and Tricks

Follow these tips and tricks to get the best possible outcome from your experiment. These tips will make this fun activity even better.

Follow Up Questions

Use these follow up questions with your kids to enhance the learning adventure. Feel free to conduct some research or have some fun discussions as a family.

• What happens if you change the amount of baking soda?
• Why did some bags take longer to fill with gas?
• Can the mixtures be reused by just adding more baking soda? Why or why not?

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72 Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand

Because science doesn’t have to be complicated.

If there is one thing that is guaranteed to get your students excited, it’s a good science experiment! While some experiments require expensive lab equipment or dangerous chemicals, there are plenty of cool projects you can do with regular household items. We’ve rounded up a big collection of easy science experiments that anybody can try, and kids are going to love them!

Easy Chemistry Science Experiments

Easy physics science experiments, easy biology and environmental science experiments, easy engineering experiments and stem challenges.

1. Taste the Rainbow

Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow! Tip: Have extra Skittles on hand so your class can eat a few!

Learn more: Skittles Diffusion

2. Crystallize sweet treats

Crystal science experiments teach kids about supersaturated solutions. This one is easy to do at home, and the results are absolutely delicious!

Learn more: Candy Crystals

3. Make a volcano erupt

This classic experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid), which produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate.

Learn more: Best Volcano Experiments

4. Make elephant toothpaste

This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” Tip: Add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for plastic bottles.

5. Blow the biggest bubbles you can

Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.

Learn more: Giant Soap Bubbles

6. Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and water to blow your kids’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Leakproof Bag

7. Use apple slices to learn about oxidation

Have students make predictions about what will happen to apple slices when immersed in different liquids, then put those predictions to the test. Have them record their observations.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation

8. Float a marker man

Their eyes will pop out of their heads when you “levitate” a stick figure right off the table! This experiment works due to the insolubility of dry-erase marker ink in water, combined with the lighter density of the ink.

Learn more: Floating Marker Man

9. Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of easy science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring, but the visuals make it appealing and fun.

Learn more: Layered Water

10. Layer more liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Kids will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Layered Liquids

11. Grow a carbon sugar snake

Easy science experiments can still have impressive results! This eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration only requires simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand.

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake

12. Mix up some slime

Tell kids you’re going to make slime at home, and watch their eyes light up! There are a variety of ways to make slime, so try a few different recipes to find the one you like best.

13. Make homemade bouncy balls

These homemade bouncy balls are easy to make since all you need is glue, food coloring, borax powder, cornstarch, and warm water. You’ll want to store them inside a container like a plastic egg because they will flatten out over time.

Learn more: Make Your Own Bouncy Balls

14. Create eggshell chalk

Eggshells contain calcium, the same material that makes chalk. Grind them up and mix them with flour, water, and food coloring to make your very own sidewalk chalk.

Learn more: Eggshell Chalk

15. Make naked eggs

This is so cool! Use vinegar to dissolve the calcium carbonate in an eggshell to discover the membrane underneath that holds the egg together. Then, use the “naked” egg for another easy science experiment that demonstrates osmosis .

Learn more: Naked Egg Experiment

16. Turn milk into plastic

This sounds a lot more complicated than it is, but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Use simple kitchen supplies to create plastic polymers from plain old milk. Sculpt them into cool shapes when you’re done!

17. Test pH using cabbage

Teach kids about acids and bases without needing pH test strips! Simply boil some red cabbage and use the resulting water to test various substances—acids turn red and bases turn green.

Learn more: Cabbage pH

18. Clean some old coins

Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Ask kids to predict (hypothesize) which will work best, then expand the learning by doing some research to explain the results.

Learn more: Cleaning Coins

19. Pull an egg into a bottle

This classic easy science experiment never fails to delight. Use the power of air pressure to suck a hard-boiled egg into a jar, no hands required.

Learn more: Egg in a Bottle

20. Blow up a balloon (without blowing)

Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school. The baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases when you fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda.

21 Assemble a DIY lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as an easy science experiment! This activity combines acid-base reactions with density for a totally groovy result.

22. Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth

The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. Use eggs to explore how soda and juice can stain teeth and wear down the enamel. Expand your learning by trying different toothpaste-and-toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.

Learn more: Sugar and Teeth Experiment

23. Mummify a hot dog

If your kids are fascinated by the Egyptians, they’ll love learning to mummify a hot dog! No need for canopic jars , just grab some baking soda and get started.

24. Extinguish flames with carbon dioxide

This is a fiery twist on acid-base experiments. Light a candle and talk about what fire needs in order to survive. Then, create an acid-base reaction and “pour” the carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame. The CO2 gas acts like a liquid, suffocating the fire.

25. Send secret messages with invisible ink

Turn your kids into secret agents! Write messages with a paintbrush dipped in lemon juice, then hold the paper over a heat source and watch the invisible become visible as oxidation goes to work.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

26. Create dancing popcorn

This is a fun version of the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment, perfect for the younger crowd. The bubbly mixture causes popcorn to dance around in the water.

27. Shoot a soda geyser sky-high

You’ve always wondered if this really works, so it’s time to find out for yourself! Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added.

Learn more: Soda Explosion

28. Send a teabag flying

Hot air rises, and this experiment can prove it! You’ll want to supervise kids with fire, of course. For more safety, try this one outside.

Learn more: Flying Tea Bags

29. Create magic milk

This fun and easy science experiment demonstrates principles related to surface tension, molecular interactions, and fluid dynamics.

Learn more: Magic Milk Experiment

30. Watch the water rise

Learn about Charles’s Law with this simple experiment. As the candle burns, using up oxygen and heating the air in the glass, the water rises as if by magic.

Learn more: Rising Water

31. Learn about capillary action

Kids will be amazed as they watch the colored water move from glass to glass, and you’ll love the easy and inexpensive setup. Gather some water, paper towels, and food coloring to teach the scientific magic of capillary action.

Learn more: Capillary Action

32. Give a balloon a beard

Equally educational and fun, this experiment will teach kids about static electricity using everyday materials. Kids will undoubtedly get a kick out of creating beards on their balloon person!

Learn more: Static Electricity

33. Find your way with a DIY compass

Here’s an old classic that never fails to impress. Magnetize a needle, float it on the water’s surface, and it will always point north.

Learn more: DIY Compass

34. Crush a can using air pressure

Sure, it’s easy to crush a soda can with your bare hands, but what if you could do it without touching it at all? That’s the power of air pressure!

35. Tell time using the sun

While people use clocks or even phones to tell time today, there was a time when a sundial was the best means to do that. Kids will certainly get a kick out of creating their own sundials using everyday materials like cardboard and pencils.

Learn more: Make Your Own Sundial

36. Launch a balloon rocket

Grab balloons, string, straws, and tape, and launch rockets to learn about the laws of motion.

37. Make sparks with steel wool

All you need is steel wool and a 9-volt battery to perform this science demo that’s bound to make their eyes light up! Kids learn about chain reactions, chemical changes, and more.

Learn more: Steel Wool Electricity

38. Levitate a Ping-Pong ball

Kids will get a kick out of this experiment, which is really all about Bernoulli’s principle. You only need plastic bottles, bendy straws, and Ping-Pong balls to make the science magic happen.

39. Whip up a tornado in a bottle

There are plenty of versions of this classic experiment out there, but we love this one because it sparkles! Kids learn about a vortex and what it takes to create one.

Learn more: Tornado in a Bottle

40. Monitor air pressure with a DIY barometer

This simple but effective DIY science project teaches kids about air pressure and meteorology. They’ll have fun tracking and predicting the weather with their very own barometer.

Learn more: DIY Barometer

41. Peer through an ice magnifying glass

Students will certainly get a thrill out of seeing how an everyday object like a piece of ice can be used as a magnifying glass. Be sure to use purified or distilled water since tap water will have impurities in it that will cause distortion.

Learn more: Ice Magnifying Glass

42. String up some sticky ice

Can you lift an ice cube using just a piece of string? This quick experiment teaches you how. Use a little salt to melt the ice and then refreeze the ice with the string attached.

Learn more: Sticky Ice

43. “Flip” a drawing with water

Light refraction causes some really cool effects, and there are multiple easy science experiments you can do with it. This one uses refraction to “flip” a drawing; you can also try the famous “disappearing penny” trick .

Learn more: Light Refraction With Water

44. Color some flowers

We love how simple this project is to re-create since all you’ll need are some white carnations, food coloring, glasses, and water. The end result is just so beautiful!

45. Use glitter to fight germs

Everyone knows that glitter is just like germs—it gets everywhere and is so hard to get rid of! Use that to your advantage and show kids how soap fights glitter and germs.

Learn more: Glitter Germs

46. Re-create the water cycle in a bag

You can do so many easy science experiments with a simple zip-top bag. Fill one partway with water and set it on a sunny windowsill to see how the water evaporates up and eventually “rains” down.

Learn more: Water Cycle

47. Learn about plant transpiration

Your backyard is a terrific place for easy science experiments. Grab a plastic bag and rubber band to learn how plants get rid of excess water they don’t need, a process known as transpiration.

Learn more: Plant Transpiration

48. Clean up an oil spill

Before conducting this experiment, teach your students about engineers who solve environmental problems like oil spills. Then, have your students use provided materials to clean the oil spill from their oceans.

Learn more: Oil Spill

49. Construct a pair of model lungs

Kids get a better understanding of the respiratory system when they build model lungs using a plastic water bottle and some balloons. You can modify the experiment to demonstrate the effects of smoking too.

Learn more: Model Lungs

50. Experiment with limestone rocks

Kids  love to collect rocks, and there are plenty of easy science experiments you can do with them. In this one, pour vinegar over a rock to see if it bubbles. If it does, you’ve found limestone!

Learn more: Limestone Experiments

51. Turn a bottle into a rain gauge

All you need is a plastic bottle, a ruler, and a permanent marker to make your own rain gauge. Monitor your measurements and see how they stack up against meteorology reports in your area.

Learn more: DIY Rain Gauge

52. Build up towel mountains

This clever demonstration helps kids understand how some landforms are created. Use layers of towels to represent rock layers and boxes for continents. Then pu-u-u-sh and see what happens!

Learn more: Towel Mountains

53. Take a play dough core sample

Learn about the layers of the earth by building them out of Play-Doh, then take a core sample with a straw. ( Love Play-Doh? Get more learning ideas here. )

Learn more: Play Dough Core Sampling

54. Project the stars on your ceiling

Use the video lesson in the link below to learn why stars are only visible at night. Then create a DIY star projector to explore the concept hands-on.

Learn more: DIY Star Projector

55. Make it rain

Use shaving cream and food coloring to simulate clouds and rain. This is an easy science experiment little ones will beg to do over and over.

Learn more: Shaving Cream Rain

56. Blow up your fingerprint

This is such a cool (and easy!) way to look at fingerprint patterns. Inflate a balloon a bit, use some ink to put a fingerprint on it, then blow it up big to see your fingerprint in detail.

57. Snack on a DNA model

Twizzlers, gumdrops, and a few toothpicks are all you need to make this super-fun (and yummy!) DNA model.

Learn more: Edible DNA Model

58. Dissect a flower

Take a nature walk and find a flower or two. Then bring them home and take them apart to discover all the different parts of flowers.

59. Craft smartphone speakers

No Bluetooth speaker? No problem! Put together your own from paper cups and toilet paper tubes.

Learn more: Smartphone Speakers

60. Race a balloon-powered car

Kids will be amazed when they learn they can put together this awesome racer using cardboard and bottle-cap wheels. The balloon-powered “engine” is so much fun too.

Learn more: Balloon-Powered Car

61. Build a Ferris wheel

You’ve probably ridden on a Ferris wheel, but can you build one? Stock up on wood craft sticks and find out! Play around with different designs to see which one works best.

Learn more: Craft Stick Ferris Wheel

62. Design a phone stand

There are lots of ways to craft a DIY phone stand, which makes this a perfect creative-thinking STEM challenge.

63. Conduct an egg drop

Put all their engineering skills to the test with an egg drop! Challenge kids to build a container from stuff they find around the house that will protect an egg from a long fall (this is especially fun to do from upper-story windows).

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas

64. Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster

STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws.

Learn more: Straw Roller Coaster

65. Build a solar oven

Explore the power of the sun when you build your own solar ovens and use them to cook some yummy treats. This experiment takes a little more time and effort, but the results are always impressive. The link below has complete instructions.

Learn more: Solar Oven

66. Build a Da Vinci bridge

There are plenty of bridge-building experiments out there, but this one is unique. It’s inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old self-supporting wooden bridge. Learn how to build it at the link, and expand your learning by exploring more about Da Vinci himself.

Learn more: Da Vinci Bridge

67. Step through an index card

This is one easy science experiment that never fails to astonish. With carefully placed scissor cuts on an index card, you can make a loop large enough to fit a (small) human body through! Kids will be wowed as they learn about surface area.

68. Stand on a pile of paper cups

Combine physics and engineering and challenge kids to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.

Learn more: Paper Cup Stack

69. Test out parachutes

Gather a variety of materials (try tissues, handkerchiefs, plastic bags, etc.) and see which ones make the best parachutes. You can also find out how they’re affected by windy days or find out which ones work in the rain.

Learn more: Parachute Drop

70. Recycle newspapers into an engineering challenge

It’s amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge kids to build a tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape!

Learn more: Newspaper STEM Challenge

71. Use rubber bands to sound out acoustics

Explore the ways that sound waves are affected by what’s around them using a simple rubber band “guitar.” (Kids absolutely love playing with these!)

Learn more: Rubber Band Guitar

72. Assemble a better umbrella

Challenge students to engineer the best possible umbrella from various household supplies. Encourage them to plan, draw blueprints, and test their creations using the scientific method.

Learn more: Umbrella STEM Challenge

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Easy Chalk Chromatography Science Project

Chalk chromatography is a fun and easy science project that uses chalk , alcohol, and water to separate pigments in food coloring or ink.

Chalk Chromatography Materials

You need a few basic, inexpensive materials for chalk chromatography:

• 50-70% alcohol (isopropyl or rubbing alcohol works best)
• Food coloring, ink, or dye
• Plastic wrap (optional)

Use regular, cheap chalk (not dustless chalk). You can dilute 95% to 99% alcohol with water, if you can’t find 50% to 70% alcohol. Alternatively, you can use vodka.

What You Do

• Apply the ink, dye, or food coloring about 1 cm (1/2 inch) from the bottom of a piece of chalk. You can place a single dot or draw a band all the way around the chalk. Tip: Some inks and food colorings only contain one pigment, so you may wish to combine several to get a good color display.
• Pour enough alcohol into the cup so that the liquid level will be below the dot or line on the chalk.
• Place the chalk in the cup so the liquid is about 1/2 cm below the marking on the chalk.
• Optional: Cover the cup with plastic wrap to slow evaporation of the alcohol.
• Observe the color rising up the chalk. Remove the chalk when you’re satisfied with the separation of the colors.
• Let the chalk dry before using it for writing.

Here’s a video of chalk chromatography , so you know what to expect.

How Chalk Chromatography Works

Chromatography separates components of a mixture based on the different rates the components travel as a fluid (the mobile phase) through a fixed material (the stationary phase). In this project, the fluid phase consists of the alcohol, water, and dye mixture. The stationary phase is chalk, which is a porous form of calcium carbonate.

The reason for using a mixture of alcohol and water is that some dyes and inks are water-soluble, but others are not. For young children, you can perform this project using only water and food coloring.

Capillary action draws the fluid up the chalk. Different materials adsorb on the stationary phase (stick to the the chalk) longer or shorter amounts of time. Larger particles move more slowly through the pores in the chalk more slowly than smaller particles, which can follow a more direct path through the solid. The net effect is that components of a mixture separate out over time.

In this project, the pigments separate running up the stick of chalk, but the dye only permeates the outer surface of the material. If you break the chalk, its exterior is colored, but the entire piece of chalk is not. Chalk chromatography is similar to paper chromatography, but because it involves only the outer layer of the material, it’s really a type of thin-layer chromatography.

• Block, Richard J.; Durrum, Emmett L.; Zweig, Gunter (1955).  A Manual of Paper Chromatography and Paper Electrophoresis . Elsevier. ISBN 978-1-4832-7680-9.
• Geiss, F. (1987).  Fundamentals of Thin Layer Chromatography Planar Chromatography . Heidelberg. Hüthig. ISBN 3-7785-0854-7.
• Reich, E.; Schibli A. (2007).  High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography for the Analysis of Medicinal Plants  (Illustrated ed.). New York: Thieme. ISBN 978-3-13-141601-8.
• Sherma, Joseph; Fried, Bernard (1991).  Handbook of Thin-Layer Chromatography . Marcel Dekker. New York NY. ISBN 0-8247-8335-2.
• Vogel, A.I.; Tatchell, A.R.; Furnis, B.S.; Hannaford, A.J.; Smith, P.W.G. (1989).  Vogel’s Textbook of Practical Organic Chemistry  (5th ed.). ISBN 978-0-582-46236-6.

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5 Chalk Activities for STEM Fun

When I think about summer, the first thought that comes to my mind is playing outside and enjoying life!  What better way to combine outdoor fun with science this summer to help prevent a summer slide than by creating science with chalk? Here are five outdoor STEM activities with chalk that you can try tomorrow!

1. DIY Washable Sidewalk Chalk Paint Recipe

The first step to getting summer started is by creating DIY washable sidewalk chalk paint. This recipe is a great way to bring up discussions about chemical and physical reactions and how different elements work with each other. You can use this recipe to make all the sidewalk chalk paint that you can use with the other summer chalk STEM activities in this list!

• 7 Tablespoons of cornstarch
• 7 Tablespoons of water
• Food coloring of your choice
• Small cups (one per color)
• Paint Brushes

In each cup, put one tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix using the spoon, add food coloring, and mix again.

Done! Repeat the steps to complete all the different colors you want.

2. Sidewalk Chalk Calculator or 100s Chart

Chalk can be a great tool for younger kids to practice their addition and subtraction skills. Have the kids write out the numbers 1-10 or 1-20. Then, have them walk up to the two numbers they want to subtract or add together and write the number sentence out in chalk. They can challenge their friends to solve the equations or solve them on their own. Finding a fun new way to look at numbers can help build math skills and help students become more passionate about math.

Kids can also create a 100s chart to practice their math skills. Having an entire 100s chart written out on the driveway is a great way to bring a visual to math, addition, and subtraction.

3. Chalk Shadows

What better way is there to teach how shadows are affected by Earth’s orbit around the sun than by chalk? At 9 am, trace the outline of your shadow in a spot that is in full sun. Go back at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm and trace the outline of your shadow each time to see how it changes as the sun rotates. Doing this will create a great discussion about how time, the sun, and the Earth are all related.

4. Draw Life-Sized Dinosaurs or Whales

This is one of my personal favorite things to do during the summer. Research your favorite dinosaur or whale and draw the real-life dimensions of that animal. If the animal is 15 feet tall, measure out 15 feet to compare it to yourself. You can research a large variety of dinosaurs , animals, and sea creatures to compare their sizes by measuring and drawing them next to each other. This is such a fun activity to bring dinosaurs to life!

5. Blow-Up Chalk

While blowing up chalk might sound a little scary, but this is a fun activity that will help explore the scientific method and chemical reactions . This is a perfect activity for scientists of all ages.

• White Vinegar, 1 cup
• Cornstarch, 1 cup
• Food coloring, several drops
• Baking Soda, 1 tablespoon
• Quart or gallon resealable bag

First, put on safety glasses before beginning the recipe. Then start by filling a bag with one cup of cornstarch and one cup of vinegar. Mix the cornstarch and vinegar, add food coloring, and mix again well. Repeat for how many colors you would like to make.

On the tissue, place 1 tablespoon of baking soda and fold it so the baking soda will not fall out. Make one baking soda pouch for each bag that you made.

Before completing the chemical reaction, make sure you are still wearing safety glasses and that children are supervised by an adult. Open the corner of the bag and drop in the baking soda pouch. Quickly close the bag and give it a shake. Place the bag back on the ground, step a safe distance away, and watch the explosion! After shaking and prior to the explosion, you can also observe the gasses fill the bag. When baking soda mixes with vinegar, the mixture foams up with carbon dioxide gas, causing the explosion.

Looking for more summer STEM ideas? Check out these great activities on STEM Universe!

About the Author: Jessica Fitzpatrick

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Real Science: Eggshell Sidewalk Chalk

Did you make omelettes, scrambled eggs, or maybe a frittata for breakfast? Don’t throw away those eggshells! Science Educator Becky Wolfe and her daughter MJ show you how you can use them for this Real Science DIY experiment, courtesy of Almost Unschoolers . 

• 4-5 Eggshells 
• Hot water 
• Flour 
• Food coloring 
• Mixing bowl 
• Mixing spoon
• Paper towels (or paper napkins) 
• Wash and dry the eggshells. If you can, remove the thin membrane from inside the egg shells.
• Crush the egg shells as finely as you can. A food processor works, but you'll get the finest powder if you use a mortar and pestle or an old coffee grinder.
• Mix one teaspoon of flour and one teaspoon of hot water in a small bowl. Mix it until it's a paste.
• Add one tablespoon of egg shell powder to your paste. Add a few drops of egg coloring if you would like. 
• Mix until everything is combined. If you can't press the mixture into a log shape, add a bit more water.
• Shape the ggshell mixture into a log shape.
• Use one of these two methods to dry your chalk:
• Wrap the log into a piece of paper towel and let it sit 3–5 days. If the chalk starts to crumble when you write with it, let the chalk sit for another day or two.
• For a faster method, place the chalk on a small baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake the chalk on a very low setting—150°F—for 90 minutes. Let the chalk sit for 24 hours to finish drying.
• Take your chalk outside and start drawing! Note:  to prevent scratches, do not use this chalk on a chalkboard.

What's going on?

Did your eggshell sidewalk chalk allow you to draw beautiful sidewalk pictures just like the chalk that can be bought in a store? 

Store-bought sidewalk chalk is made from a combination of calcium carbonate, gypsum, silica, phosphorus, iron, alumina, phosphorus, sulfur, manganese, copper, titanium, sodium oxide, fluorine, strontium and arsenic. Its main ingredient, however, is calcium carbonate – a form of limestone. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is the chemical that lets us draw on the sidewalk with a piece of chalk.

Do you know what else contains calcium carbonate? Eggshells! This makes them a great alternative to store-bought chalk. 

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How to Make Sidewalk Chalk - Teach Kids about Gypsum and Calcium

Posted by Admin / in Chemistry Experiments

Kids love to use sidewalk chalk so why not teach them something about science while they make their own sidewalk chalk. In this experiment we actually tried to make the chalk softer by adding flour to the mix. While it is not necessary to try using flour, it was fun to try to experiment with additional materials to compare the results of the chalk.

Materials Needed

• Plaster of Paris
• Disposable cups
• Disposable spoons
• Food coloring
• Flour or baby powder (optional)

EXPERIMENT STEPS

Step 1: Mix 2 tablespoons of plaster of Paris with 2 tablespoons of water in 3 different paper cups. Add the water first, then add the plaster of Paris. If you want to try different additives to the mix, add the dry materials now. More water will be needed if you plan to add more dry materials. In our experiment, we had three different mixes. Here is a summary:

• 2 parts plaster of Paris: 2 parts water
• 2 parts plaster of Paris : 1 part flour : 2.5 parts water
• 2 parts plaster of Paris : 2 parts flour : 3 parts water

Step 2: In the 3 cups, mix 6 drops of food coloring into the chalk mixture.

Step 3: Cut three 12" squares of wax paper.

Step 4: Allow the mixtures to set up for about 4-5 minutes. Pour out one cup of mixture evenly in a line down one side of a piece of wax paper. Leave a few inches of space on each end with no mixture. For mixtures with flour additives, the mixtures will require pouring into a mold because they will be very wet. We used a sidewalk groove for our mold.

Step 5: Roll up the wax paper with mixture and allow time to let it set up.

Step 6: Repeat Step 4 and 5 with the other three cups of plaster of Paris mixture.

Step 7: Allow each piece of chalk to harden for 1 day.

Step 8: Unroll each piece of chalk and try writing on a flower pot or sidewalk with permission of an adult.

SCIENCE LEARNED

Plaster of Paris, also known as gypsum plaster, got its name because a large gypsum deposit was discovered at Montmontre in Paris, France. Today gypsum is heated to over 300° F to form calcium sulfate hemihydrate which is used to make the dry Plaster of Paris powder. When the powder is mixed with an equal amount of water, it reforms into a gypsum plaster which is a soft calcium solid. The soft gypsum makes a very good material for sidewalk chalk, since it is softer than many other solids like asphalt and concrete.

The standard mixture of 2 parts plaster of Paris to 2 parts water result in chalk material that is very similar to sidewalk chalk available at the store after only one day of drying time. Adding flour to the mixtures initially resulted in very soft chalk, which was too soft to use as normal sidewalk chalk. The small particle size of the fine flour created a problem for the plaster of Paris. Gypsum gains strength through a chemical reaction. When the flour is introduced, the same chemical reactions occurred, however, a bonding structure was not formed between the flour and the plaster. This resulted initially in a softer chalk that has less strength. After allowing the chalk with more flower to harden several more days the mixture gained more strength. Once the mixtures with flower added had time to set, they resulted in very nice, soft chalk that is strong enough to draw on the sidewalk. How did your homemade chalk mixture turn out?

An interesting note about natural gypsum. In its natural form, gypsum is the only known solid material that actually releases water when heated up. This can be very useful when used as a building material. This is one of the reasons that gypsum is used to make dry wall for construction. The release of water is somewhat helpful since it can provide some built-in fire protection.

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Egg in Vinegar Experiment

in Chemistry Experiments

Experiment with the chemical reaction between vinegar and an eggshell.

Copper Plating Experiment

Experiment with copper ions by adding copper plating to an iron nail.

Stringy Goo Experiment

Make slimy, stringy goo with a gross, but fun chemistry experiment for kids.

Antioxidant Experiment

Use food to show kids different materials that are used to preserve food with this antioxidant experiment.

Lemon Battery Experiment

in Energy & Electricity Experiments

Use either lemons or potatoes to generate electricity. This experiment is a great to teach kids about energy storage.

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Chemical weathering, hours and location.

If you’ve ever seen a rusty building, a statue that looks like it’s rotting, or the green copper roof of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa, you’ve seen chemical weathering in action. In this experiment, discover the effect of size on weathering reactions.

What you need

• Sidewalk chalk (make sure it says calcium carbonate on the label)
• Two glass cups or jars
• Pencil and paper
• Take two pieces of equal-sized chalk and place one inside one of the jars.
• Break the other piece up into many smaller pieces, and place the pieces inside the other jar.
• Fill the jars with approximately the same amount of vinegar. It should be enough to completely cover all of the chalk, but with some room left at the top.

Watch the two jars for about two minutes and record your observations. What do you notice is different between them? Why do you think that it happened?

Sidewalk chalk contains a compound called calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which reacts with vinegar (acetic acid, CH3COOH) to form the gas carbon dioxide (CO2). Some of the mass of the chalk is lost to form this gas, making it smaller.

You will have noticed that the reaction with the broken-up chalk happens much quicker than the solid piece of chalk, as seen by how quickly the bubbles are produced. This is because the reaction needs to have vinegar and chalk molecules colliding together to complete. When the chalk is broken up, more surface area is created on the small pieces for the reaction to occur.

Although it is a slower process in nature, this same reaction happens to limestone — acidic rain reacts with it, producing carbon dioxide. This process is called chemical weathering. As shown in this experiment, when the limestone is in smaller pieces, it will be weathered away more quickly, even with the same mass. Take a look at some statues in your town or city; can you tell which ones are older?

In nature, usually when something needs their surface to perform something (like a reaction) often, the structure is small. This is because smaller objects have more surface area in comparison to their volume.

This can be shown mathematically. Imagine you have three cubes: one with the dimensions 1x1x1, one that’s 2x2x2 and one that’s 3x3x3. First, calculate the volume (length3), and then calculate the surface area (length2 x 6) for each cube. Then, take a look at how fast both the surface area and the volume are growing from one cube to the next. You’ll notice that volume grows more quickly than surface area, so the ratio between them gets smaller.

This phenomenon allows things like cells to be as efficient as they are; their small size allows them to transport more food over their surface, while not wasting energy on a big interior!

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6 Physical and Chemical Weathering Activities for Students

Are you looking for easy, inexpensive, and quick physical and chemical weathering activities for your classroom? Take a look at a few of my favorite activities to model the actions of physical and chemical weathering in the classroom using everyday supplies.

Check out my 6 favorite physical and chemical weathering activities below!

1. physical (mechanical) weathering activity.

Model weathering with salt and chalk.

Chalk is a great material to use to demonstrate weathering because chalk is a soft sedimentary rock made of calcite. The sandpaper has small pieces of quartz glued on to it.

Materials : salt, sidewalk chalk, plastic container with a lid, teaspoon

Tips : Make observations about the chalk before beginning the activity. Have students sketch the chalk and predict what will happen when it is shaken in a plastic container with salt for two minutes.

• Place a teaspoon of salt in a plastic container with a small piece of sidewalk chalk.
• Set a timer and place the lid securely on the container.
• Shake for two minutes.
• Observe the chalk after shaking and compare it to the chalk before it was shaken with salt.
• Discuss how this is like weathering.

Save the colored salt after each activity to create a class “sand art” display!

A worksheet to go along with this activity can be found in the physical and chemical weathering lesson .

2. Physical (Mechanical) Weathering Activity

Model physical weathering with chalk and sandpaper.

The sandpaper has small pieces of quartz glued on to it, while the chalk is made of calcite. This is an easy way to model abrasion.

Materials : sidewalk chalk, sandpaper, hand lens

Directions:

• Scrape the chalk across the sandpaper several times.
• Use a hand lens to make observations and sketch what they see.
• Students will observe lines in the chalk caused by the quartz from the sandpaper (which is a harder mineral). They may notice powder from the chalk on the sandpaper.

3. Chemical Weathering Activity

Model chemical weathering with chalk and vinegar.

Vinegar is a weak acid that is safe to use in the classroom and easy and inexpensive to obtain.

Materials : chalk, vinegar, cup

• Place the chalk into the vinegar for 5 minutes. The weak acid from the vinegar will react with the calcite in the chalk.
• After 5 minutes, have students rinse the chalk with water to stop the reaction.
• Have students make observations.
• Place the chalk back in vinegar and observe how the chalk changes after being in the vinegar for 24 hours.

4. Chemical Weathering Activity

Model chemical weathering (acid rain) with steel wool, vinegar, and water.

Materials : steel wool, vinegar, water, plastic baggies

• Using three plastic zip lock baggies, place one piece of steel wool in each bag.
• Bag one – only steel wool (dry), bag two – add 50 mL of water, bag three – add 50 mL of vinegar
• Let the bags sit overnight and have students observe the effects of chemical weathering on the steel wool in each bag.

5. Modeling How Glaciers Change the Land (Physical Weathering Activity)

This activity will help students to understand how glaciers create physical weathering (abrasion) as they move across Earth’s surface.

Materials : soap, water, plastic cup, sand

• In a plastic cup, place a handful of sand in the bottom. Cover the sand with water and freeze overnight.
• Remove the ice/sand block from the cup.
• Use a paper towel to hold the block of ice as students slide the ice block over the bar of soap (sand side down).
• Make observations and sketch what happens to the bar of soap after it was rubbed with the sand/ice block.

6. Factors That Affect Weathering (Acid Rain)

This is a great demo to show how breaking of rock affects the time it takes for weathering to occur.

Materials : 2 antacid tablets, warm water, 2 plastic cups, spoon, stopwatch

In this activity, the antacid tablet represents the rock.

• Have students predict if the whole tablet or the crushed tablet will dissolve faster.
• Crush one antacid tablet. Place it in 100 mL of warm water and stir. Use the stopwatch to measure the time until the tablet dissolves.
• Repeat with the whole antacid tablet.
• Have students draw conclusions about why smaller pieces of rock weather faster.

Want to save HOURS of planning time?

• Presentation and video lecture (great for substitutes and absent students
• Differentiated notes
• Lab activities
• Practice activities (vocabulary puzzle, matching, sort, crossword puzzle, Venn diagram
• Digital activities
• Google Forms assessment

Check it out!

If you’re looking for physical and chemical weathering lesson that is engaging and easy prep, you’re going to love this resource!

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SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS

How to do shadow tracing.

Get your kids out of the dark with this fun activity exploring shadows

This animal is not on exhibit in the habitats.  It is one of our Animal Ambassadors and is used in public and school programs.

Download a PDF of this experiment

Here’s a riddle for you: What’s as big as an elephant, but weighs nothing at all? His shadow! Amuse your kids with that one while you herd (pun intended) them outside to make some shadows of their own.

This fun activity will show them how shadows are made and how they change in size and shape throughout the day. All you’ll need is some chalk and a flat area to cast their shadows on – oh, and some sun of course.

GATHER THIS:

• Chalk (Optional: 2 or more colors). Don’t have chalk? No problem! Put paper on the ground and use a pencil, pen, crayon, etc., to trace a shadow. Don’t have chalk or a paper and pencil? No problem! Trace a shadow in sand or dirt with your finger, or use rocks to outline the shadow.
• An object to cast a shadow, or a partner
• Optional: Tape measure or ruler

THEN DO THIS:

• Do this activity outside on a sunny day! No sun or can’t go outside? No problem! Use a light bulb, lamp, flashlight, etc. You could also try a fire flame – it just might be a little trickier to trace a shadow as the light may flicker and move around.
• Trace shadows on a hard, smooth surface like concrete, brick or wood.
• Trace your partner’s footprints on concrete.
• While standing in the footprints, trace your partner’s shadow. Write the time next to the shadow.
• Go on a shadow hunt and trace other shadows you both find.
• Return to your footprints 1 or 2 hours later and trace each other’s shadow again.
• Repeat steps 4–6 several times throughout the day. If you have 2 or more chalk colors, use a different color every time you trace your partner’s shadow.
• Optional: Use the tape measure or ruler to measure the length of your shadow from different times during the day and compare them.
• Is a shadow the same size and shape as the object being traced?
• How does the length, shape of the shadow change during the day?
• How does a shadow change when an object is closer to/farther from the light source?
• Does a clear (see-through) object cast a shadow? Try glasses or a piece of plastic.
• What color is a shadow?
• How does a shadow change if part, or all of it, is cast against a wall?
• How can you make a shadow look fuzzier/sharper?
• Try this activity at the same times of the day, but in a different season. How are the shadows the same or different?

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

A shadow is created when an object blocks light from a light source. The qualities of the shadow are determined by the type of light source and the position of the object blocking the light. An umbra is a type of shadow that is created when an object blocks all of the light. A penumbra is a type of shadow that is created when an object blocks only some of the light. This shadow may look gray or fuzzy compared to an umbra. A solar eclipse happens when the moon creates a shadow on Earth. A total eclipse is another way of saying the umbra shadow.

Shadows created by the sun change shape and length throughout the day because as the Earth rotates on an axis, the relative position of the sun changes in the sky. The size and direction of shadows created by the sun will also change seasonally anywhere on Earth except along the equator. This occurs because as Earth rotates on an axis to produce day and night, Earth is also orbiting the sun. The tilt of the planet combined with its position along its orbit will also change the relative position of the sun in the sky, and therefore the shadows.

WHAT THIS TEACHES:

Skills: Observations skills

Themes: Light, seasons

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Cave Of The Mounds

Science Experiment: Erosion with Chalk and Vinegar

Erosion with chalk and vinegar.

This activity will talk about three components erosion, caves, and the rock cycle, which are vital to Cave of the Mounds . Our cave is a limestone/solution cave that was created by an acid eroding away or breaking down limestone, a sedimentary rock.  In this activity, you will observe the changes as acid eats away a rock.

You will need: Ziploc bags (1 bag per experiment), Chalk (1 piece per experiment, broken in half), Vinegar (2 cups per experiment)

• Each person, pair, or group will need one Ziploc bag, two cups of vinegar, and one piece of chalk, broken in half. 
• The first piece of chalk will be put into the Ziploc bag. Inside the bag, break it into tiny pieces. 
• Once that is completed, add one cup of vinegar.
• Then immediately add the other piece of chalk in its whole state.

Let's Discuss!

How fast does the vinegar erode the chalk? Do you see anything happening between the vinegar and the chalk?

You should notice that the vinegar is eating away the chalk. The whole piece dissolves slower than the broken chalk due to its larger surface area.

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Homemade fizzy sidewalk chalk paint

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Sidewalk chalk paint ingredients:.

• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup cornstarch

How to make sidewalk chalk paint

Step 1: round up all your supplies, step 2: mix together the sidewalk paint.

STEP 3: Create paintings on the sidewalk

STEP 4: Activate the sidewalk chalk paint

STEP 4: Clean up

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25+ Favorite Chalk Activities that Build Skills

June 17, 2022 by Sheryl Cooper

Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by Sheryl Cooper

Inside: You will love these chalk activities for toddlers and preschoolers! Everything from using them with art, in the sensory bin, and as part of a science activity. Fun and playful ideas!

When I went searching for easy chalk activities, I was amazed at how versatile chalk is!

A big box of sidewalk chalk goes a long ways, indoors and out, in the sensory table , for art projects and science experiments.

I make sure we keep chalk on hand throughout the year in our classroom for our toddlers and preschoolers .

CLICK HERE to find more outdoor learning activities!

Hammer  it : Place chalk into a bag and hammer it to make powder for paint. (You Clever Monkey)

Spray it: After writing letters on a vertical surface, spray them with water. (Raising Dragons)

Dip it: Dipping chalk into paint creates a creamy texture, perfect for drawing on sidewalks and other surfaces. (Happy Hooligans)

Rub it: Place items under a piece of paper and rub chalk on top. (Lessons Learnt Journal)

Explore with it: Rub colored chalk into salt to make chalk salt.

Tape it: Use tape to make colorful sidewalk mosaics. (Down Redbud Drive)

Trace it: Invite your children to trace their shadows and paint them. (Rhythms of Play)

Freeze it:  Make a basic chalk paint recipe and freeze it! Can use different molds, too! (Reading Confetti)

Smell it: Involve the sense of smell while squeezing liquid chalk onto surfaces. (Learn, Play, Imagine)

Mix it: Squirt some shaving cream into chalk mixture for a whole new sensory experience. (Growing a Jeweled Rose)

WEAR it: While having fun with chalk and water, see what happens when you rub it on your skin! (Lasso the Moon)

Science and Nature

Hear it: Try a simple science experiment right on your sidewalk and listen to it fizz. (Messy Little Monster)

Find it: Go on a hunt to find natural materials outdoors and add them to your chalk drawings. (The Craft Train)

Count with it: Make a counting garden on the sidewalk. (Fantastic Fun and Learning)

Spray it: Listen and then spray the number. (Fantastic Fun and Learning)

Use dice and count it: Learn numbers through movement. (Days with Grey)

Jump on it: After drawing shapes on the sidewalk, invite the children to jump on them. (Craftulate)

Walk through it: Create a shape maze, instructing the children to step on certain shapes. (Creative Family Fun)

Write it: Work on early writing skills on the sidewalk. (The Natural Homeschool)

Paint it: Trace chalk letters with water using a paintbrush. (The Preschool Toolbox)

Large Motor

Hop on it: Create your own hopscotch path (free printable). (Fantastic Fun and Learning)

Follow it: Make an obstacle course for your children to follow. (Toot’s Mom is Tired)

Ride on it: Create a path with sidewalk chalk and ride scooters (or bikes) on it. (School Time Snippets)

Blocks and Cars

Draw it indoors: Create a road on the floor indoors. (Moms and Crafters)

Draw it outdoors: Create roads outdoors for toy cars. (Nurturestore)

More fun ideas for home:

Hands-On Shapes Activities

55+ Ways to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills at Home

Building Math Skills at Home

Summer Activity Plans

I’ve teamed up with other early childhood teachers and homeschoolers to put together these hands-on summer activities for toddlers and preschoolers!

Easy to follow plans that include activity modifications and adaptations to meet the needs of all learners.

Note: This is a digital product. That means when you make a purchase, you will be emailed a link to the activities.

For more information, click on the graphics below:

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About Sheryl Cooper

Sheryl Cooper is the founder of Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds, a website full of activities for toddlers and preschoolers. She has been teaching this age group for over 25 years and loves to share her passion with teachers, parents, grandparents, and anyone with young children in their lives.

Explore With Our Four

Bubbling Chalk: Science Experiment

by Theresa 28 Comments

     We have had so much fun with baking soda and vinegar experiments. I decided to try a new base in our next experiment which we have plenty of:  chalk.  We always have odds and ends of sidewalk chalk and it was fun to re-purpose a little of it for this experiment.

Bubbling Chalk:  Science Experiment You will need:

• Chalk (two colors if you want to include color mixing)
• Tenderizer or Hammer 
• Clear plastic cup
• White vinegar 

     Place the chalk in a plastic bag and have the children take turns smashing it with a hammer or tenderizer on the flat side.   Our kids found this task to be quite fun.  It is not every day that I encourage them to smash things.  Fill a plastic cup about 2/3 to 3/4 full of white vinegar.  Have one of the children drop a handful or a tablespoon of the mixed color chalk into the vinegar.  Watch what happens.  At first, it will seem like nothing is going to happen.  Then the magic begins and the chalk bubbles up little by little and then at a more rapid pace, mixing the colors as it floats to the surface. Discuss how vinegar is an acid and chalk is a base.  The chemical reaction causes bubbles from carbon dioxide to form so that the chalk rises to the surface.  We did this several times so that all four of our children could try it out. We tried one color at a time and the mixing of two colors.  The color mixing was a little more dramatic.

Visit the links below for more great chalk   ideas from the #playfulpreschool team! Chalk Letter Writing from Learning 2 Walk Alphabet Activities: Chalk Road by Growing Book by Book Chalk Painting Letters from Mom Inspired Life Chalk Dust and Feather Writing: Learning Names in Preschool by The Preschool Toolbox Setting-up for Summer Learning with Chalks from Rainy Day Mum Chalk Paint  from Tiny Tots Adventure Chalk Shadow Drawings by Still Playing School

What a fun experiment. I know my kids will love to try this.

I never realized that chalk was a base…brilliant!

Oh my goodness. My 5-year-old will LOVE this. Thank you for sharing!

Hi Growing Book by Book.

I hope your kids enjoy it. I buy vinegar in bulk because we do so many experiments with it! Luckily, it is inexpensive fun.

: 0 ) Theresa

Thank you Devany!

Thank you Shann Eva.

I hope your 5 year-old has fun with this.

Wow, that is very cool. I have never used chalk with vinegar. Can't wait to try it out!

So fun!! THe kids will love that! I should try that in my classroom!

What a great way – I've never though to use actual chalk we've done this with chalk stone from the beach and the kids find it great fun.

My son would LOVE this! (he also loves anything that involves smashing things.. so that is a great way to get him into it!)

I hope you enjoy it.

Hi T. Austin.

That is a great idea! Let me know how you it goes if you try it out. I imagine the class would love the smashing as well as the experiment.

Now we will have to try chalk stone! Thank you for giving us a new variation.

Hi Working Mom Magic.

Yes, the smashing can get most kids pretty excited! Then, the experiment is frosting for that experience.

Wow. I didn't know you could do this with chalk. So cool!

Wow! What a super fun hands on activity!

Thank you Danielle.

It is not as dramatic as baking soda, but still fun.

Thank you Megan!

How fun! Can't wait to try this one out. They both love baking soda and vinegar, so I know this will be a hit!

I love this! I'm always looking for science experiments for my daughter. And we have lots of bits of chalk all over our front yard… this is a great use for it!

I'm so looking forward to trying this out! My girls are going to love it.

Hi One Mommy.

This is not as dramatic as baking soda and vinegar as it takes longer for the reaction, but it is still really fun to watch. I hope your kids enjoy it.

Hi Meredith.

I think this will be a fun use of your bits of chalk. I hope your daughter enjoys it.

Hi Natasha.

I hope your girls have a great time with this.

I hadn't realized that chalk would do this. My kids are always playing around with our sidewalk chalk, so I am sure they would enjoy this experiment.

Hi Maryanne.

It is fun to watch. The reaction is much slower than baking soda but has a whimsical quality.

What a great idea for chalk play! We've never tried this experiment with chalk, but adding it to our summer "chalk" bucket list! SMASHING things is always a HIT!:)

Hi Pschooltoolbox.

I hope you had the chance to give this a try.

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Flour and Colored Chalk Experiment

I love including my children in cooking, but it's not always possible--especially when sharp knives and hot pots are involved. So I've been building an arsenal of activities to keep them occupied and entertained while I tackle garlic chopping or lasagna assembling. For this experiment and sensory activity, we used flour, kitchen utensils, and colored chalk.

Ages: 3 - 8

<30 minutes

Materials you'll need

• kitchen tools (flour sifter, measuring cups and spoons, etc).

Step-by-step tutorial

I filled a large bowl with a few scoops of flour and my kids got busy sifting, scooping, and mixing it. Meanwhile, I assembled dinner and got it in the oven.

Next I pulled out some colored chalk.

Then, I grated some chalk into the bowl. My kids were intrigued and wanted to see what happened when it mixed with the flour. They were surprised that it mostly blended in, barely tinting the flour, and requested more!

Final result!

While she stirred, I got some dishes done, and then I returned to grate some more chalk until she had enough. She learned about scale and volume while experimenting with these fun powdery substances, while I was able to make a hot meal--mostly uninterrupted!

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15 Science Experiments that POP, FIZZ and CRACKLE

 As always, I am excited to be back for another  Saturday Science .  We have been busy around here getting ready for Legoman and Bone’s birthday by doing some really fun science experiments. Both boys have summer birthdays which mean its the perfect time for outside, messy size experiments . Fourth of July is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with science experiments that POP, FIZZ, and CRACKLE.

For many, summer holidays mean fireworks and outdoor cookouts. However, not all kids love fireworks or fireworks aren’t available where you are. That’s why I thought a collection of science experiements that POP, FIZZ and CRACKLE would make a great alternative or addition to fireworks!

Science Experiments that POP

When I think “fireworks” I think of that loud KABOOM! These science experiments and demonstrations either POP or Blast off just like a firework would on the 4th of July! I know my kids love anything that shoots off into space or makes a loud noise! These do just the trick!

1.  Coin Poppers | Make a bottle cap out of a penny and watch it pop! I have never tried this before and can’t wait to see how it works and test different coins and liquids to see if it makes a difference!

2.  Pop Rocket | Watch the chemical reaction as you combine two ingredients to make this simple rocket take off! You can turn this demonstration into an experiment by changing up the ingredients, the size of the container, or the amount of liquid you add for hours of fun!

3. Corncob Popcorn Experiment | Want to experience that pop, pop, popping just like the fourth of July? This is the experiment for you! Make predictions about what will happen, have your children observe the sounds, the sights, and especially the delicious smells!

4. Splatter Patterns | I love this fantastic physics project that is so incredibly visual. It’s perfect for a summer day for hours of fun. If your kids like the classic egg drop experiments they will love this one!

5.  Chemistry Rocket | Use your chemistry skills to get this simple rocket to blast into space just like the best bottle rocket! Only this is much safer than a bottle rocket! Change up some variables, decorate your rocket, or gather your friends for rocket challenges! My boys can’t wait to try this one!

6.  Exploding Chalk Paint | Have you heard of the exploding bag experiment? Well, this is an awesome visually appealing variation to the classic. Now it really looks like fireworks are happening right on your sidewalk!

Science Experiments that FIZZ

Fizzing Science can be some of the most fun because it is simple and easy to do, but the “magic” of the fizz never seems to bore anyone, even me! These experiments are all great chemistry examples that I am sure your kids will have so much fun with. I know mine did!

7.  5 Fizzing Science Experiments | We’ve all heard of the classic baking soda and vinegar test, right? But what happens when you change it up some? The reaction is quite incredible!

8.  Ice Volcanoes | This is the perfect summer experiment. Want it to be a little more festive for the holidays, just freeze your ice into Red, White, and Blue shapes for some real festive fizz!

9. Fizzing Color Mixing | Mixing colors has never been so much fun! Set this out on a table during a family picnic and watch the kids have a blast. Even the youngest family member can join in on this science fun!

10.  Fizzing Fireworks | Looks like real fireworks without all the noise! How cool! When all the exploring and fizzing is done you are left with some pretty popping artwork too!

Science Experiments that Crackle

One of my favorite sounds on the 4th of July is that crackling you hear when they set off all the little fireworks together. I love how it almost sizzles, instead of explodes. I’ve gathered together some experiments that either spark, crackle, or expand… just like tiny fireworks!

11.  Pop Rocks Expansion | We love candy science around here and can’t wait to try this experiment this week. It’s simple but brings lots of excitement.

12.  Lifesaver Sparks | Okay, be honest… Have you ever tried this experiment? I really like this version because it is so much better on the teeth but just as much fun!

13.  Elephant Toothpaste | Alright, this one doesn’t crackle necessarily, but it was just too cool to leave out of the mix! It reminds me of those expanding snakes I used to get to do when I was a kid while the grown-ups did the big fireworks.

14.  Static Electricity | Another classic demonstration that your kids will love! Just one material needs and loads of fun. Turn your very own head into a fireworks display! {figuratively speaking, of course}

15.  Fireworks in a Jar | Want to avoid the noise of the fireworks all together but still want a neat science demonstration that looks festive? This easy to follow demonstration is suitable for even the youngest in the family and extremely inviting!

Bonus: The Ultimate List of Things That Pop  (free printable chart)

How do you plan to celebrate this summer? With POP, FIZZ or CRACKLE? Will you try any of these fun experiments and demonstrations? I’d love to know!

FOR MORE SUMMER FUN & LEARNING

Follow Dayna :: Lemon Lime Adventures’s board Summertime! Laugh, Learn, Play on Pinterest.

ARE YOU READY FOR MORE SCIENCE FUN?

Time for saturday science blog hop, visit these great bloggers for more fun saturday science experiments too.

Cool Ice Science from P is for Preschooler

9 Easy Science Discovery Bottles from Little Bins For Little Hands

Microwave Ivory Soap Experiment from The Joys of Boys

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11 thoughts on “15 Science Experiments that POP, FIZZ and CRACKLE”

These are great! I love the fizzing fireworks for kids who don’t like the noise of real fireworks, but still love to see the colors!

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Growing A Jeweled Rose

• WAYS TO PLAY
• _Glowing Play
• _Sensory Play
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• _Valentine's Day
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Exploding Chalk Recipe

Exploding Sidewalk Chalk

What you need :.

• Zip-seal bags
• Corn Starch

• Baking soda
• Begin by combining  1 cup  of  corn starch  with 1 cup of  white vinegar  in a large  zip-seal bag .

• Mix until combined, repeating this process until the desired amount of "bag bombs" are prepped.
• Add several drops of food coloring to each bag before  sealing them tightly .

• Then, give the bags to the kids to mix until all ingredients are combined.

• In addition to the paint bags you will need  baking soda  bombs .

Making Baking Soda "Bombs"

• Start with a toilet-paper-square.
• Place 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda into the middle of the paper.  Then, tuck and fold the paper securely around the  baking soda .

• Repeat this process for each  exploding chalk bomb  that you anticipate making.  Then, repeat it a few more times (trust me;).

Exploding Chalk Play

• Quickly toss a prepped  baking soda bomb  into one of the  zip-seal bags  of vinegar-paint.
• Then,  very quickly seal the bag .  I found it helped to have the bag mostly sealed before adding the baking soda bomb.
• Once sealed set the bag down and give the contents inside a good shake.
• Then, step back and marvel at the  beautiful, erupting art!

• Make  sidewalk squirt chalk .
• Make chalk  glow-in-the-dark .
• Play & explore with ice chalk.
• Make  sidewalk smoke bombs .
• Teach color theory  with chalk .
• Make chalk  FIZZ & PoP !
• Turn  chalk into ice .
• Make a  sand volcano .
• Make a  snow volcano .
• Make a  glowing volcano .
• Make a  sound volcano .
• Make a volcano  from an apple.
• Make ice volcanoes!

Growing a Jeweled Rose is a site packed with fun and educational activities for kids. Read more about us or catch up with our favorite posts .

More About the Author

Crystal Underwood is the writer and creator of Growing A Jeweled Rose. She has worked extensively with children and strongly believes in the importance of play at the core of early learning. She is passionate about the early years and believes that childhood should be a truly magical time in life. For all the best kids activities connect with Growing a Jeweled Rose below!

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August 21, 2024

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Chalk-based coating creates a cooling fabric

by American Chemical Society

In the scorching heat of summer, anyone who spends time outside—athletes, landscapers, kids at the park or beachgoers—could benefit from a cooling fabric. While there are some textiles that reflect the sun's rays or transfer heat away from the body, current options require boutique fibers or complex manufacturing processes. But now, researchers report a durable chalk-based coating that cools the air underneath treated fabric by up to 8 degrees Fahrenheit.

Evan D. Patamia, a graduate student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, will present their team's results at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS Fall 2024 is a hybrid meeting being held virtually and in person from Aug. 18–22; it features about 10,000 presentations on a range of science topics.

"If you walk out into the sunlight, you will get increasingly hot because your body and clothing are absorbing ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (near-IR) light from the sun," says Trisha L. Andrew, a chemist and materials scientist working with Patamia. "And as long as you're alive, your body is generating heat, which can be thought of as light, too."

To make people more comfortable outside, scientists have been developing textiles that simultaneously deflect the sun's rays and push out natural body heat—a process known as radiative cooling. Some of those materials have light-refracting synthetic particles, such as titanium dioxide or aluminum oxide, embedded into spun fibers. Others use organic polymers , such as polyvinylidene difluoride, which require perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or forever chemicals, in their production processes to create light-reflective textiles.

But scaling the manufacturing of these materials for commercialization isn't sustainable, according to Andrew. So, she posed the question to research team members Patamia and Megan K. Yee, "Can we develop a textile coating that does the same thing using natural or environmentally benign materials?"

Previously, Andrew and colleagues created a simple technique to apply durable polymer coatings on fabric called chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The method combines synthesis and deposition into the same step: grafting a thin polymer layer onto commercial textiles with fewer steps and less environmental impact than other ways to attach coatings.

So, inspired by the crushed limestone-based plasters used historically to keep houses cool in extremely sunny places, Patamia and Yee worked on innovating a process to integrate calcium carbonate—the main component in limestone and chalk—as well as bio-compatible barium sulfate onto the polymer applied by CVD. Small particles of calcium carbonate are good at reflecting visible and near-IR wavelengths, and barium sulfate particles reflect UV light.

Treating small squares of fabric, the researchers applied a 5-micrometer-thick poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) layer and repeatedly dipped the polymer-treated squares into solutions containing calcium or barium ions and solutions containing carbonate or sulfate ions.

With each dip, the crystals become larger and more uniform, and the fabric develops a chalky, matte finish. Patamia says that by changing the number of dipping cycles, the particles can be tuned to reach the ideal size distribution (between 1 and 10 micrometers in diameter) for reflecting both UV and near-IR light.

The researchers tested the cooling abilities of treated and untreated fabrics outside on a sunny day when the temperature measured more than 90 F. They observed air temperatures underneath the treated fabric that registered 8 F cooler than the ambient temperature in the middle of the afternoon. The difference was even greater, a maximum of 15 F, between treated and untreated fabric, which heated the air underneath the sample.

"We see a true cooling effect," says Patamia. "What is underneath the sample feels colder than standing in the shade."

As a final evaluation of the mineral-polymer coating, Yee simulated the friction and impact of laundry detergent in a washing machine. She found that the coating didn't rub away and the material retained its cooling ability.

"So far in our processes, we've been limited by the size of our laboratory equipment," says Andrew. But she's part of a startup company that's scaling the CVD process for bolts of fabric, which are about 5 feet wide and 100 yards long. Andrew explains that this venture could provide a way to translate Patamia and Yee's innovations into pilot-scale production.

"What makes our technique unique is that we can do this on nearly any commercially available fabric and turn it into something that can keep people cool," concludes Patamia. "Without any power input, we're able to reduce how hot a person feels, which could be a valuable resource where people are struggling to stay cool in extremely hot environments."

Provided by American Chemical Society

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